The Swimmers : People Are Soft :: Review

The slightly corny and cheery sounds that emanate from The Swimmers on ‘People Are Soft’ seemingly consist of an amalgamation of influences ranging from The Killers, Echo & The Bunnymen, and latter day Smashing Pumpkins.  While their debut ‘Fighting Trees’ attempted its hand at grimy Americana, the band now switches the focus to the synth washed sounds of a different era.

Occasionally this works as on the opener, “Shelter” but elsewhere the technique falls flat as exemplified by “Give Me The Sun” and the jangly mess, “To The Bells.”  If The Swimmers had released a covers record, I would have been more kind.   A complete reinvention of the band’s sound on their sophomore effort lacks tact and feels like the band isn’t confident enough in their own efforts.

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